Riding back home on his Vespa, he dreamt of a smooth ride ahead. Yet, he burnt a lot of midnight oil that night planning his moves to checkmate the queen of his heart in the square of his love. When, he thought he conceived the winning move, that only made him even more determined to win her. Next day, after an early lunch, he had a siesta to appear fresh. Donning his best attire, he reached the park in an auto, fearing a ride on the Vespa would make it worse for his hair.
Waiting for her near the entrance, all the while he chain-smoked Berkeley in nervous puffs. At last, sighting her, as he memorized his lines, he tried to steel his resolve as well. But, fumbling at the post, he failed to make the well-rehearsed move. Oblivious to his presence as she passed him by, he stood there benumbed. However, he recovered soon enough, and made bold to pace up to her.
“Excuse me please,” he said tentatively.
Turning around reflexively, Nithya looked at him instinctively. And having recognized him readily, she walked away disinterestedly.
“Hear me,” he summoned up courage to sound bold, “please!”
Goaded by courtesy, she stopped in her tracks.
“I've something to tell you,” he blurted out. “
I'm not interested,” she sounded dismissive.
“Please,” he said bringing all his anxiety onto his face.
His love had ensured that she was unable to move away. It was as if she was tied by the sincerity of his love.
“I'm sorry,” he said in the same vein.
“What for?” she said in spite of herself.
“Am I not the cause of your inconvenience?”
“I don't get you,” she said a little puzzled.
“Haven't I driven you from that nook?” he said stretching out his hand in the right direction, as though to avoid a communication gap.
Recalling that incident, Nithya blushed to her roots.
“Please go there,” he nearly pleaded. “I'll go elsewhere.”
“Thank you but…” she seemed too confused to continue.
“Be assured,” he said moving away, “I won't disturb you.”
Nithya was hardly in a position to comprehend her situation to react. But, before proceeding, she stared at him in stupefaction. As he turned his head to verify her stance, they made eye contact, and that embarrassed her no end. Noticing the nuance, Chandra followed her body language as she paced towards the cherished spot. Though she had slowed down at the bend, she reached the nook panting, but once within, she slumped on the lawn.
"Oh, how has he been watching me?‟ she thought intrigued. "What is he up to? Who is he, by the way? Though he looks plain, he appears well bread. Seems he's not the stalking kind. And isn't he well-meaning and shy as well. Whatever, it's all so embarrassing. Now, that he has played the Good Samaritan, hope he leaves me alone. Haven't I got plenty on hand to bother about?‟